New I-57 interchange open to drivers on Saturday

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The newly constructed I-57 interchange project will open to drivers during a ceremony on Saturday.

The interchange will connect the interstate with I-294, relieving traffic congestion in the south suburbs.

For the past two years, construction crews have been building ramps that will finally connect I-57 and I-294, the Tri-State Tollway.

"It was one of the first things we decided to do in our 'Move Illinois' program because we know how important it is for communities, particularly in the Chicago southland, to have this access," said Kristi Lafleur, Executive Director, Illinois Tollway.

When the interchange opens, drivers traveling on northbound I-57 will have direct access to the northbound Tri-State. Drivers on the southbound Tri-State will be able to get onto southbound I-57. There is also a new interchange at I-57 and 147th Street.

An estimated 76,000 vehicles per day are expected to use the new ramps, saving drivers 26 hours a year.

The new interchange will be completely electronic with no cash lanes. It will be the tollway's first interstate to interstate interchange that is all electronic. That is why drivers are encouraged to get I-Pass.

The toll with I-Pass is 75 cents, $1.50 without it. You can pay the higher toll online, and the grace period is extended from seven to 30 days until the end of the year.

The new ramps complete the first phase of the interchange.

"We're currently planning to build the next phase, the final phase, of the interchange starting construction around 2022-23, but we are looking for opportunities to move that up," Lefleur said.

That depends on funding.